Let There be Light

As part of our holiday celebration, we attended our town's tree lighting this weekend. The kiddos aren't very used to being out after dark but love anything we describe as a party. This was a "tree party." To warm our spirits, we sipped our cider--the kids drank cold cider in their little apples and we drank heated "yard of flannel." And then we split up: DD and DS had completely different interests at the party. DD loved the horses of the mounted police and spent the entire tree-lighting talking to the horses. DS wanted to cross the street and see the fire trucks, which kids were allowed to climb. There were also free fire fighter helmets. Soon enough, DD decided to cross the street to see the trucks, and loved climbing up inside. Then we listened to the brass band for a bit. We headed back to town hall to watch Santa arrive on a firetruck but not to stand in the really long line to sit on his lap. You see, we got a phone call from Santa to go home to have dinner and to see him at the mall with Gommie and Pop later.

Judge not lest ye be judged.

Sure enough, Santa in the fire truck, sirens blaring, circled the green several times waving at us. And we waved back, very excited to see him. But when we were heading back to the car, reliving the evening, DD oddly stated that she hadn't seen Santa--he wasn't there--she only saw "Santa's arm."

She persisted with this the rest of the night, even telling Gommie and Pop on the phone that she hadn't seen Santa, only his arm.

Poor thing is going to have nightmares.



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"Yard of Flannel"


The mulled cider:
1 quart of apple cider (apple juice will work)
12 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh is best)
6 cardamom pods (optional)
heavy whipping cream
brown sugar
rum (optional)

Simmer the apple cider with the spices in a medium pot for approximately 15-20 minutes or until spices are aromatic; do not boil. Meanwhile, whip heavy cream with brown sugar to taste (we used approximately 2 tablespoons brown sugar to 1/2 pint of cream). Pour cider into mugs or glasses. Add rum to taste (we like 1/2 oz. or a half jigger). Top with heavy whipping cream.


To make a “Yard of Flannel”: add some unwhipped heavy cream to the cider-rum mixture and top with whipped cream. Do not use anything less than heavy cream, as it will curdle.

Old Sturbridge Village